Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy has today launched the 100 Day Countdown to the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.

Minister Lundy and ARU President Ron Graham were joined at the announcement by two heroes from the 2001 Wallabies team that took on the Lions – former Brumbies Joe Roff and Stephen Larkham, - as well as current captain, Ben Mowen and Qantas Wallabies prop, Ben Alexander.

With just 100 Days until the British & Irish Lions kick-off a Tour that has been 12 years in the making, Senator Lundy said anticipation and excitement were already high for an event kicking off on Wednesday, June 5.

“A British & Irish Lions Tour is one of world sport’s premier events,” Minister Lundy said.

“Today, the countdown begins in earnest and with just 100 Days to go until the 2013 series kicks off there is certainly a great feeling of anticipation from Australia to Europe.

“One of the lasting impressions from the 2001 series, aside from the fantastic Rugby that was played, was the sea of Red supporters that followed the Lions around Australia.

“This year the ARU are expecting up to 30,000 fans to once again visit these shores to support the Lions in the only way they know how, passionately and with a lot of noise.

“As a nation of sport lovers, I am confident Australia is ready to welcome these fans back with open arms and a sea of Gold.”

The Lions will play nine matches during their 2013 Tour, including a match in the nation’s capital against the Brumbies.

ARU President Ron Graham said the support received from the Australian public for the highly anticipated 2013 Lions Tour had been exceptional.

“This Tour has the hallmarks of rarity and magnitude and the response we received last week from fans across the country when tickets went on General Public sale was phenomenal,” Mr Graham said.

“The three Tests had their ticket allocations exhausted within minutes and all of the Lions six Tour matches also had fantastic interest and are continuing to sell strongly.

“I encourage fans not to delay in purchasing their ticket as the next time the Lions come to Canberra will be 2025, which is a mighty long wait to see the world’s most iconic Rugby team in action.

“A Lions Tour is a wonderful event to be a part of, the atmosphere at a Lions match, regardless of whether it is a Tour or a Test match, is something that every sports fan should experience.”

ACT Minister for Sport, Andrew Barr, said Canberra was looking forward to welcoming the Lions to the Nation’s Capital in June.

“Having the Lions facing off against our mighty Brumbies will be the icing on the cake of our Centenary Celebrations,” Mr Barr said.

“I call on all Canberrans to get behind the Brumbies, turn out in force this June and cheer loudly to help counter the vocal Lions supporters.”

Tickets to the Brumbies v British & Irish Lions Tour match can be purchased through Ticketek with prices starting at just $11 for junior ticket, $24 for an adult and $59 for a family of four.